Emetophobia: The Fear of Vomiting By Lisa Fritscher Updated June 27, 2016 Emetophobia, or fear of vomiting , is surprisingly common. The phobia can begin at any age although many adults have suffered for as long as they can remember. Emetophobia may also be related to other fears, such as a fear of food , as well as conditions such as eating disorders and obsessive-compulsive disorder . Causes of Emetophobia The fear of vomiting is often, but not always, triggered by a negative experience with vomiting. Although cases of stomach flu, overindulging in alcohol and food poisoning happen to everyone, it is easy to feel alone. The risk of emetophobia may be higher if you remember vomiting in public or experiencing a long night of uncontrollable vomiting. Some experts believe that emetophobia may be linked to worries about lack of control. Many people try to control themselves and their environment in every possible way, but vomiting is difficult or impossible to control. It sometimes happens at times and in places that are embarrassing or inconvenient, which can be highly distressing. Symptoms of Emetophobia Interestingly, most people with emetophobia rarely, if ever, vomit.

Some sufferers report that they have not thrown up since childhood. Yet they constantly worry that it might happen. If you have emetophobia, you may have developed certain behavioral patterns or even obsessions in an effort to keep yourself safe. You might be most comfortable in a particular room of your home, or even outside. You might sleep with a towel next to you in case you are ill overnight. You probably feel compelled to learn the most direct path to a restroom in any new building. You may be extremely anxious about long car trips. Many sufferers report that they feel safer when they do all the driving. Some are reluctant to carry passengers because they might see them vomit if they cannot reach a restroom in time. Many emetophobia sufferers experience frequent nausea and digestive upsets. These are extremely common symptoms of anxiety and can lead to a self-replicating cycle. You are afraid to vomit, and the fear causes nausea and stomach pain. This makes you feel like vomiting, which in turn makes you more afraid. Research indicates that this cycle may be the result in hypervigilant sensitivity to gastrointestinal symptoms and misappraisal of nausea and other GI symptoms . Complications of Emetophobia Over time, you might develop additional fears or obsessions.

Cibophobia , or fear of food, is common among many with emetophobia. You may worry that foods are not cooked or stored properly, which could lead to possible food poisoning. You might begin to severely restrict your diet or refuse to eat until you are completely full. Many sufferers feel that being full can lead to nausea and vomiting. In extreme cases, you might even develop tendencies toward anorexia . Many people with emetophobia develop social anxiety or even agoraphobia , which is a fear of places or situations that might cause you to feel anxious, panicky or out of control. You might be reluctant to spend time with people for fear of vomiting in front of them. Alternately, you may be afraid that someone will vomit in front of you. It is not unusual to become highly afraid of other people’s vomit as well as your own. Treating Emetophobia Emetophobia can be somewhat complicated to diagnose and treat since many people simultaneously experience other phobias and anxiety disorders . Therefore, it is important to work with a trusted therapist with a broad range of experience. See “Finding a Therapist” for tips and suggestions.

Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) can help you confront your fears and replace your negative thoughts regarding vomiting. Hypnosis and relaxation techniques can help to reduce the feelings and symptoms of anxiety. Medications may be indicated in some cases. Although it will take a great deal of work, emetophobia can be defeated. There is no reason that your life must be controlled by this powerful but treatable phobia. Sources: American Psychiatric Association. (1994). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (4th Ed.). Washington, DC: Author. International Emetophobia Society. “What Is Emetophobia?” December 31, 2008. Continue Reading emetophobia - fear of being sick - fear of vomit The fear of being sick receives little attention compared with other irrational fears, yet it is the fifth most common phobia, according to the International Emetophobia Society. Type 'fear of being sick' into search engine Google, and you get nearly 29 million websites. It is an extremely debilitating and disabling condition. Victim's lives are dominated by irrational thoughts and actions. Sadly, some women even deny themselves motherhood for fear of morning sickness and some sufferers become housebound.

Emetophobia is rarely spoken of partly because of the nature of the subject - it is unpleasant and 'dirty' and victims are acutely embarrassed. Also, fear of being sick is often 'cloaked' by another phobias. Many people come to me for help with fear of flying, but during therapy, it emerges that their fear is not of flying, but of being sick and embarrassed. Courses to conquer fear of flying often concentrate on the safety of planes. But reassurances about the physics of flying and the mechanics of the plane will not help a person who fears vomiting. Claustrophobia and social phobias are other examples of fears that 'cloak' emetophobia. I ask: "Why don't you like crowded rooms?" and patients sometimes reply: "If I feel sick, I can't get out in time and I'll throw up in front of everybody!" I have been treating emetophobes for fourteen years at my hypnotherapy clinic in Harley Street, London. Most sufferers are female who have had symptoms since their youth. They have wasted years avoiding situations where either they or someone around them could become ill. Because of the extreme lengths they go to avoid sickness most of my clients have not been sick since childhood.

Indeed most boast how long it is since the last time they were sick. Those with a mild phobia have anxious thoughts while eating. Some suffer so severely they refuse to leave their home. Some sufferers experience discomfort almost all the time, others just in response to direct stimuli. Sometimes the phobia hides for years until something triggers it to show itself. Overcome Emetophobia: Fear of Vomiting Emetophobia: The Fear of Vomiting Emetophobia is a fear of vomiting. Most people don't know that this fear is common enough to have its own name. Yet vomit phobia can be a disabling condition which severely limits the lives of those who struggle with it. Emetophobia occurs in men and women, children and adults. Some are afraid that they will vomit. Others are afraid of seeing others vomit. Most have trouble describing what they fear will happen if they vomit, or see others vomit, but vaguely fear some terrible loss of control, a catastrophe from which they won't recover. They fear insanity, death, endless vomiting, and so on. Most times they can recognize that these catastrophes aren't really going to result from vomiting.

But when they feel that vomiting may occur, then they don't feel so sure. The overwhelming majority have vomited in the past, since almost all of us have, with no lasting ill effects. Most have also seen others vomit. Yet the absence of any ill effects from past vomiting has generally not helped a person overcome the fear of vomiting. Instead, it usually leads people to try to avoid any possibility of vomiting, and they struggle to protect themselves against what they fear. The Cycle of Emetophobia A person with Emetophobia goes through a repetitive cycle that's quite similar to the cycle of Panic Disorder. First, something reminds her of vomiting. Maybe she hears that a coworker is home with the flu; gets an e-mail saying that a relative has begun chemotherapy; or sees a movie or TV show in which a character vomits. Then, a thought about vomiting quickly passes through his mind, consciously or unconsciously. Next thing you know, he's checking for physical sensations that he associates with vomiting. Maybe he notices how his stomach feels, or clears his throat to check for any possibility of gagging.

You don't have to look too hard to find a sign of something you fear, and sooner or later he feels as though he has some symptom that suggests the possibility of vomiting. Finally, she enters the vomit phobia phase. To protect herself, she might leave work early, or skip a meal. Maybe she avoids a trip to the bathroom, fearing that the sight of a toilet might induce vomiting. And so the cycle of fearful anticipation, looking for signs of trouble, and chronic avoidance that characterizes Panic Disorder plays itself out with Emetophobia as well. Very Similar to Panic Disorder If you think of vomit phobia as a special case of Panic Disorder, that would be a reasonably good description. The main difference is that, with fear of vomiting, people focus on sensations in their stomach and throat, along with thoughts of vomit, rather than sensations in their heart, chest, or head. Phobic Avoidance People with a chronic fear of vomiting often develop a lot of systematic avoidance in their effort to protect against vomiting. For example, they may avoid: contact with anyone who might be ill; foods they associate with vomiting; eating in restaurants; gagging and spitting; alcoholic beverages; and public toilets.

Their efforts to protect themselves from vomiting lead them to avoid many otherwise ordinary parts of life, and can make them a prisoner of their fears. Some people have had a fear of vomiting most of their lives, and managed to live with it until some life development makes the fear far less manageable for them. For instance, the birth of a child will bring with it the realization that sooner or later the child will vomit, and a fearful parent wonders how he/she will ever handle this. In a similar way, the need for a close friend or relative to undergo chemotherapy for cancer often ramps up the fear, because nausea and vomiting is a common side effect of chemotherapy. Treatment Emetophobia can be successfully treated with exposure therapy. This treatment doesn't necessarily require that the individual actually vomit, but that he/she practice with situations, objects and activities which he fears might lead to vomiting, and which he's been avoiding. Common exposure exercises include: smells, videos and photographs of vomiting, spitting into a toilet, sitting in the back seat of a car, eating at buffet tables, spinning around to induce sensations of nausea, and so on.

Simply reading this article, with its frequent use of the word "vomit", is an early step of exposure, because many people with Emetophobia try to avoid the word. Vomiting is almost always quite unpleasant, and treatment does not seek to change that. Rather, the aim of treatment is to help people live their lives, and engage in activities that are important to them, without being restricted by an excessive fear of vomiting. Don't be fooled by Internet marketers of anxiety products! Watch the WGN-TV investigative report. Emetophobia - What is Emetophobia? What is emetophobia? Emetophobia is a condition where an individual fears vomiting or others vomiting. If you have emetophobia, you may fear vomiting alone or in public equally. You may frequently experience feeling sick but you are probably no more at risk of being sick than most people. It may have become a preoccupation and the only thing you think about. Vomiting is associated with an overwhelming fear and panic. Some people fear losing control, becoming very ill or that others find you repulsive. As a result you try too hard to avoid a wide range of situations and activities that you believe might increase of risk vomiting. When does a concern with vomiting become a phobia?

Vomiting upsets many people, but to be diagnosed with a Specific Phobia of Vomiting it must be very distressing and have an important interference on your life. For example, it may interfere with an important relationship or your social life. It may prevent you from a desired pregnancy or you may be unhealthily underweight. You may not be able to go on holiday or travel on public transport. How do people with emetophobia cope? If you have emetophobia, you are probably avoiding a range of activities or situations. These can usually be divided into: a) Avoiding adults or children who could be ill (and regarded as contagious) or who may be at risk of vomiting (e.g. drunks who remind you of vomiting). The avoidance might extend to restricting activities of any children who may be in contact with other children. b) Avoiding situations or activities such as going on holiday abroad; places where you may see drunks; visiting ill people; travelling by boat or aeroplane; drinking alcohol in normal amounts; crowded places; using public transport; pregnancy; fairground rides; using public toilets or door handles; medication; going to the dentist; anaesthesia .

Women with babies might experience a great deal of distress about their child vomiting. c) Avoiding food. Food restriction may occur in a variety of ways: i) Restricting the amount of food eaten that reaches your stomach, thus reducing the amount that might be vomited. Alternatively a restricted amount is equated with feeling "full", as eating more than this could lead to vomiting. ii) Restricting food in certain contexts (for example, not eating food cooked by someone else or in an unfamiliar restaurant). iii) Restricting certain types of food. Certain foods (for example, shellfish, poultry, curries, dairy products and fried fast food) might have a slightly higher risk of vomiting. Alternatively, certain foods may have become associated with a past experience of vomiting. Restricting food may lead to being underweight, which may have a number of physiological consequences. These may be a further factor in increasing anxiety and nausea. You may also have a number of "safety seeking behaviours". These are things you do that you believe will prevent yourself or others from being sick.

These include excessive checking of sell by dates and freshness of food; seeking reassurance; excessive cooking of food; excessive washing of hands or cleaning of the kitchen area with anti-bacterial sprays and gels; superstitious behaviours such as "not stepping on a 13th stair" repeating a word or action a certain number to prevent yourself from vomiting. People with emetophobia frequently drink bottled water or a sugar fizzy drink. These behaviours may also be a way of checking whether you are going to be sick (e.g. "If water's going down, then nothing can come up"). You may take anti-nausea medication or suck antacids ice or mints. You might also be telling yourself certain things in your head - for example reassuring yourself that you or someone else will not be sick. Even though it is probably impossible people may attempt to mentally to control the reflex act of vomiting. This makes you feel more in control but increases your preoccupation and distress. All these avoidance, safety seeking behaviors and being extra-vigilant keep the problem going.

They make you think that they work (in the sense that you do not vomit) but have the unintended consequence of increasing your awareness of feeling sick and the preoccupation with vomiting and making you more anxious. This becomes a vicious circle. In short, it is your solutions that have become the problem and are now maintaining the fear. What causes emetophobia in the first place? We don't know but some people may be genetically predisposed to developing a specific phobia. It is intriguing that emetophobia is much more likely to occur in women. Men with emetophobia are uncommon. Developing a specific phobia of vomiting is highly understandable given the way that humans (and animals) can become easily conditioned after food-poisoning or an infection and are more likely to avoid situations that remind them of vomiting. Vomiting as a baby or as a child could be very panic inducing (for example the association with the feeling of suffocating, choking or death). Even if as an adult you know these associations are not true now, they are still powerfully linked in your mind. However, these associations can also be unlearnt and the "ghosts of the past" can change. How common is emetophobia?

Specific phobias (e.g. insects, heights) are relatively common and in several large surveys occur in about 10% of the population. Of these surveys, only one study (Becker, et al, 2007) specifically asked about a phobia of vomiting and it was found to relatively uncommon at 0.1% of the population. In another very large study of Specific Phobias, they did not specifically ask about the fear of vomiting and the number who volunteered was too small to analyse (Stinson et al, 2007). However it's hard to say exactly how many people have a Specific Phobia of Vomiting as some may be misdiagnosed as having Obsessive Compulsive Disorder or Health Anxiety. Many people with emetophobia are also too ashamed to talk about their problem. However common it is, we do know that specific phobias of vomiting are generally more handicapping than other specific phobias and are more difficult to treat. Note that we are discussing a Specific phobia of vomiting. There have been other surveys that have asked about a fear of vomiting, which is relatively common at about 10% of the population.

This is different from a specific phobia of vomiting that we are discussing on these pages. A phobia is significantly distressing and interfering in one's life. A fear is just something that is distressing enough to interfere in one's life. Is emetophobia linked with other illnesses? You may feel demoralised or clinically depressed. Some people restrict their food believing that a range of food may cause vomiting. You may then become very underweight and some people with emetophobia may be misdiagnosed with anorexia nervosa. How is the condition likely to progress? No long-term follow studies have been done. Many people with emetophobia have a chronic condition. If left untreated, then the condition is likely to persist. Why do humans and animals have to vomit?! Vomiting is an adaptive process that increases your chances of survival if you are ill. If you are infected, vomiting is beneficial and prevents disease by getting rid of toxins. Do you know the rat is the only animal that cannot vomit? This is one reason why rat poison is so effective. People with emetophobia may believe that if vomiting did occur then it will last for many days.

In fact, after an infection or food poisoning, it usually lasts at the most a day or two. Others believe that they can influence or control their vomiting in an almost magical way. However, the act of vomiting is a primitive reflex act that cannot be inhibited. People with emetophobia tend to focus on the risk of infection or food poisoning but the reflex can be triggered by a wide variety of triggers around the body (e.g. mechanically in gynaecological problems; a extremely stretched gall-bladder or stomach; by certain drugs; metabolic problems that act on the brain stem; extreme fear; severe pain; certain smells can all induce vomiting in the right context). Treatments available There are treatments available that are described each in turn. There has been very little research to know the best treatment for emetophobia. This is why our centre is conducting research so we can slowly understand more about the cause and treatment. Current treatments described include cognitive behaviour therapy, hypnotherapy and medication. What is Cognitive Behaviour Therapy? There is a lot of evidence for the benefit of cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT) in other phobias and obsessive compulsive disorder (see various NICE guidelines) .

CBT can be adapted for treating a Specific Phobia of Vomiting. You may have CBT in the past that has not been helpful but it may depend on who is delivering it and the approach used. There are no miracle cures - it is hard work on the part of the individual with emetophobia. Cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT) consists of a structured programme of self-help, helping you to get a good understanding of how the fear might have developed and how your solutions have now become your problem and keeps the fear going. It is based on an understanding that people with emetophobia have had one or more bad experiences of vomiting from childhood. Sometimes these experiences can be remembered, sometimes not. These memories have become associated with fear. Past experiences of vomiting (and their triggers) become fused with the present so that they are re-experienced as if they are about to be repeated. Once the link with the past experience is learnt, the anticipation of vomiting leads to anxiety. Anxiety causes nausea and other stomach symptoms. This becomes linked to the idea of vomiting and losing control. This is associated with extreme fear and past experiences of vomiting in a vicious circle. There are then various ways that people with emetophobia cope with the idea of vomiting.

These are not bizarre - it is a very natural response to fear. a) You may try to avoid thoughts and images of their self or others vomiting and feelings of nausea. b) You are more vigilant for monitoring threats (e.g. people who could be ill or an escape route) c) You become excessively self-focussed in order to monitor nausea d) You worry, try to reassure yourself and mentally plan escape routes from others who might vomit e) You may think in a magical way and neutralise the thoughts and images of vomit in a way you believe to stop yourself from vomiting f) You may use safety seeking behaviours including compulsive checking and reassurance seeking. All these ways of coping make you feel that you have more control in your ability to stop yourself from vomiting or that you are doing something to reduce uncertainty. However they will have the unintended consequence of increasing the frequency of thoughts about vomiting and symptoms of nausea and make you more anxious in a vicious circle. The solution therefore involves some combination of (a) updating early memories of vomiting by using a technique called imagery rescripting and (b) gradually dropping your avoidance and safety seeking behaviours. You will not be asked to induce vomiting - this is not necessary.

There are no risks or side effects of CBT other than the experience of anxiety and old memories. Having emetophobia can make like very restricted and part of therapy will focus on helping you to do what is important in your life despite your fears. Over time the degree of distress and preoccupation with vomiting should decrease. We are not saying it is easy but it is definitely possible to make your life more manageable. There are no published rates of success using CBT, but we hope to do this in the future. What about Hypnotherapy or neuro-linguistic programming? There is no evidence in the literature apart from one case study for the benefit of hypnotherapy in emetophobia. Please beware of unscrupulous commercial practitioners and if you chose this route, check that the practitioners belong to a recognised body such as the United Kingdom Council of Psychotherapy. What about medication? Anti-nausea medication is often prescribed at the request of people with emetophobia. However it doesn't solve the problem and this is usually unhelpful in the long term as it reinforces the idea that you can control yourself from vomiting. There is no evidence from any controlled trials that medication is of any benefit in emetophobia.

There is a rationale for a type of medication called a selective serotonergic reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) in those with severe symptoms that overlap with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) and who are unresponsive to cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT). Nausea is a potential side-effect of a SSRI which may mean that it is an unacceptable approach for some. How can I get help for emetophobia? Contacting your GP is often the easiest way to get help and further treatment on the NHS. Ask to be referred for cognitive behaviour therapy who has experience in phobias of vomiting for further assessment. This may lead to outpatient treatment or, if more serious, residential or inpatient treatment. See the links on this website for the Bethlem Royal Hospital for our NHS national specialist service for Specific Phobia of Vomiting. If you're worried about talking to your GP, consider writing down your concerns and questions. You can:  take a friend or family member with you;  see another doctor in the practice; or  join a new GP practice. Some areas now allow you direct access to a new psychological treatment centre (without going through your GP).

These are part of the new NHS Improving Access to Psychological Therapies centres. NHS Direct can offer you advice on moving to a new GP practice. You can phone them on 0845 4647. Alternatively try to discuss your treatment choices with family, friends, doctors or other health professionals. Dr David Veale, FRCPsych ( ) Consultant Psychiatrist in Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, South London and Maudsley Trust and The Priory Hospital North London. Emetophobia (Fear of Vomiting) Treatment Program MP3 Nervous breakdown What is emetophobia? At a simple level, emetophobia is basically a fear of vomiting or being around a person who is being (or might) be sick, this even includes people who are loved dearly like your own children. Although the definition of this phobia is quite simple the the underlying causes can be very hard to shift (although it is very possible).

Because when we have a phobia that is under-pinned by a biological sensibility we get a little unconsciously confused – what we mean by that is; to fear a natural bodily defense reflex causes a dilemma, the human part says “being sick is horrible” whilst your unconscious biology might be saying “Of course we need to eject this bad food from our stomach!” This powerful fear of being sick can go under quite a few names, like; vomitaphobia, sicknessphobia or often the experiencer doesn’t even want to refer to it as even the thought of vomiting causes a huge emotional reaction. Of all the phobias that it is possible to latch onto, this one seems to take hold the deepest. Sorry if reading about this makes you wince a little, however, if reading words that refer to sickness make you feel uncomfortable, then you really need to do something about it and stop acting the victim to this anxiety based disorder. What causes a fear of vomiting? In our experience emetophobia is normally traceable back to some childhood event, perhaps; Vomiting as a child and embarrassing ones self As a child seeing a loved one vomit and becoming scared Influences from films etc.

we are aware that watching the Exorcist didn’t help some people! As a child seeing a person who scared you vomit, like a tramp or a drunk As a child you had a tantrum which got you over agitated and made you vomit Having said that, it really doesn’t matter where it came from or why you have it, what matters is that you take back control of these fearful thoughts and controlling behaviours. It is a surprisingly common phobia (although few openly discuss it)- intense psychological and biological reactions kick off when the trigger thought or event occurs and this leads to feelings of panic and a massive desire to avoid vomiting or anything that they think may make them vomit, typical symptoms of emetophobia are: Feeling as if you may be sick Excessive saliva production Racing heart and tight chest Feeling of nausea When the fear of being sick phobia is at its height, often the sufferer becomes agoraphobic and refuses to go out or to go to work and this starts a destructive cycle of feeling fearful and then feeling stupid, because they have to become super controlling to try and manage life so they don’t have to interact with it.

People who love you, try to help and they use logic to say “of course it will be alright” and you can’t use logic in your replies so you have to revert to an emotional reaction to prove to them you can’t do something. This perpetuates the problem and (unknowingly) teaches the sufferer to use an adverse emotional reaction as their way of controlling people, unknowingly they are saying “We’ll do it my way or will go into an emotional response.” This leaves those around you helpless, frustrated and angry, people suffering from emetophobia need to recognise that they are the controlling ones, not their carers!

Avoidant emetophobia behaviours It is quite hard work being fearful of vomiting and often other issues arise, such as, agoraphobia, eating disorders and intense self esteem problems, typical behaviours that arise include: Not drinking too much alcohol and feeling uncomfortable around those who do Becoming very hygienic and worried about germs Feeling awkward in schools and hospitals Feeling uncomfortable eating in front of others Only eating small meals or just crackers Weight problems – normally too thin Afraid of getting ill so stay away from visiting sick people Problems using some public conveniences Looking away if an actor vomits on television Not going out to restaurants or only drinking water in a cafe The sufferer feels like a victim to their emotions – and they are! This whole phobia ends up being about low self-esteem, unworthiness and a fear of being out of control. Treatment to overcome the fear of vomiting The Calmness In Mind Anxiety Treatment Program teaches you how to manage the anxiety attacks and then works on changing how your unconscious body responds to the old triggers that used to make you scared.

As you realise that you can interrupt the anxiety it becomes possible to reconnect with external life, however, as you get better the realisation that you don’t feel good enough resurfaces because if you are not anxious you need to get a job or a relationship or change something big in your life and this becomes scary and may re-trigger the anxiety! To counteract this the program teaches you strategies to begin to develop your own self-esteem and confidence, from this new perspective you can calm yourself down and you can respect yourself, this opens the door for you to reengage with life. Buy Now Start today, it’s not easy, but it’s not easy being stuck either! PS – If a loved one has emetophobia and is not prepared to change, it may be useful to follow this program yourself, then, at least you will be able to support them in a way that will break their controlling patterns and allow you to understand how and why they act the way they do.

Online Anxiety Treatment Program - Anxiety, GAD, OCD, Depression, Phobias & IBS Download this sensible and intuitive mp3 self-help program - Helping you to understand and overcome anxiety disorders and depressive emotions, so you can get on and make the changes you know you need to make in your life - Get Started Here... Emetophobia - Fear of Sick & Vomiting - Help, Information, Symptoms and Advice Emetophobia - Symptoms and Information What is Emetophobia? Emetophobia is the fear of sick or vomit. It can be fear of either vomiting yourself or fear of someone else being sick. It can be a very debilitating condition and is often misunderstood by many people including some doctors and therapists. The effects and symptoms of Emetophobia can range from mild to severe. Although the majority of Emetophobics developed the condition in childhood and have had it for as long as they can remember there are also a number of sufferers that developed the condition as an adult. Obviously no one likes vomit or being sick and the majority of people experience an appropriate level of disgust and dislike towards it which would be considered a normal reaction.

However the big difference between a normal reaction and an Emetophobic response is that the Emetophobic experiences higher than normal levels of anxiety about vomit or being sick and even possibly feelings of panic. While most people only think about vomit or being sick when absolutely necessary the Emetophobia spends much of their time thinking about it. Sometimes hours on end and this only adds to the anxiety caused by the condition. Most phobias involve an element of anxiety however it’s not uncommon for Emetophobics to experience very high levels of anxiety due to the condition. In some cases even extreme anxiety and panic attacks. Emetophobia is essentially a combination of both a phobia and a severe Anxiety Disorder. The Anxiety Loop What often happens is that the anxiety about vomit causes a fearful phobic response which understandably makes the sufferer even more anxious about the situation. This then causes a behavioral response loop in the neurology that goes anxiety > fear of vomiting > anxiety > Emetophobic response. As a way of protecting themselves from being sick many Emetophobics adopt protection behaviors such as being fanatical about cleaning, food hygiene, not eating in restaurants, not eating BBQ’d food or anything that they think may have gone off.

In some cases these protection behaviors can develop into OCD (Obsessive Compulsive Disorder). Other symptoms associated with Emetophobia It is not uncommon to find an element of OCD in people suffering with Emetophobia. Given the combined effects of the fear, anxiety and OCD it’s not surprising that some Emetophobia sufferers can also feel a degree of depression due to how Emetophobia effects your quality of life. Some Emetophobics dislike going out to social events, parties or any where that could mean being near anyone that is drunk incase they are sick. Many Emetophobics also dislike traveling by train or bus incase they come into contact with someone that may either vomit or catch a virus / bug from. Emetophobics may feel anxious or possibly afraid of flying. This is generally not due to a fear of being in the air or of crashing but a fear of someone in the airplane being sick. Emetophobics tend to be very wary of anyone that looks ill or drunk and seeing the seat belt sign coming on due to turbulence will cause them to worry about people being sick due to turbulence.

Emetophobia and the internet For many Emetophobics one of the most frightening things is hearing about any virus or bug going around whether it’s at work, their child’s school or nursery. And any news in the media about the Norovirus, Flu epidemics or other pandemics can cause highly elevated levels of anxiety. Some Emetophobics will spend hours a day on the internet reading news reports about the Norovirus or whatever virus is in the news. In some cases it can be like a morbid fascination with the thing that scares them the most. Because they fear being sick some Emetophobics on hearing the news of a bug or virus going round will deliberately eat less based on the belief that if they are sick having less in their stomach to bring up will either reduce the chance of being sick or make it less unpleasant. Women and Emetophobia Emetophobia can affect both men and woman however the implications can be more upsetting for women. This is because the fear of being sick can actually make some women scared of getting pregnant or bringing up children due to the fear of morning sickness and / or the fear of having to deal with children vomiting.

The effects of Emetophobia not only leaves some women battling with their own fear of vomit they also feel very upset because they feel unable to comfort their own child when it is ill. Obviously being unable to be a good mother and properly look after your own children would be upsetting for most women and that only adds even more distress to what is already a horrible condition. Emetophobia effects more than just the sufferer Emetophobia is a condition that not only affects the sufferer it can also have a significant impact on the lives of their family and friends. Emetophobia can be treated successfully However there is hope because there are a number of effective therapies and treatments that can help alleviate and even cure Emetophobia. Many people can make either significant improvements or completely overcome Emetophobia. Although the idea of sitting in a doctors waiting room can be scary for an Emetophobic as with any severe anxiety you should talk to your GP or other suitable doctor first to rule out any underlying medical cause for the anxiety. Treatment options include CBT, Counseling, Psychotherapy, Medication, Hypnotherapy, NLP and a number of other choices. At PhobiaGone we have over 14 years experience in helping people with Emetophobia.

To find out how Hypnotherapy and NLP can help you overcome Emetophobia click here . Next step, have a FREE* consultation with one of our therapists We offer FREE* twenty minute mini consultations so you can have some private one-on-one time with a phobia specialist to find out more about the services we provide. The appointments are free and there is no obligation to take things further. These consultations are beneficial if you are considering treatment for your phobia and wish to find out more about what phobia treatments may be available to you. Success stories - Read what our client's say about us Did you find what you were looking for? We hope that you found what you were looking for if not please let us know and where ever possible we will do our best to get the information for you. We love feedback so if there is something you liked or didn't like about this website please let us know via our feedback form so we can make this website even more helpful for you. If you weren't persuaded to contact us please let us know why . We might even give you a free appointment to say thank you and prove that you can overcome your fear! * Free initial consultation only available at Buckinghamshire & London Harley Street Clinics.

READ TESTIMONIALS My freedom from claustrophobia has finally given me the prospect of being able to travel & to explore new places, I am finally free of the stress, fear & anxiety which had accompanied me for so many years. - Rowena Hi Paul, WOW, what can I say! You have truly helped Cara conquer her Needle phobia, which would of effected her for the rest of her life. Many thanks. - Seamus Dear Paul, Thank you a thousand times for giving me my life back. The best thing I ever did was pick up that phone & dial your number. Thank you so much. - Jenny Hello Paul, Previously it was just an impossible dream due to the fear & panic of what may happen. I lost the fear & now feel total elation. Thank you so much for giving me a new life. - Kim Dear Paul, Words can't express how much your help has changed my life. I feel so happy, confident and free now. I look forward to my future. - Bronwyn Hi Paul, My friends could not believe how well I coped and I was so thrilled with myself. Thank you so much!!! - Pauline x Hi Paul, I came to you on Friday.

And I'm sorry I haven't been in contact sooner, I have just been thinking of the right words. I guess what I want to say is Thank You! - Rose Hi Paul, I cannot put into words how grateful I am to you. I feel so comfortable in my own skin and I'm excited about the future. Thank you for giving me my life back. - M.L. Emetophobia (vomit phobia) - Anxiety UK Emetophobia (vomit phobia) Recommended resources What is it? Emetophobia is a condition that is not widely diagnosed even though it is a fairly prevalent anxiety disorder. Furthermore, despite being a common anxiety disorder, not a lot is known about how many people it effects. What is known, however, is that more women have a fear of vomiting than men. An estimated 1.7-3.1% of males and 6-7% of females experience emetophobia. Those with emetophobia have a fear of vomiting or seeing others being sick. They may also fear the feeling of being out of control while they are being sick or fear being sick in public which can trigger avoidance behaviours.

Emetophobia varies enormously in how it effects suffers; most worry excessively about being sick even though they are less likely than the general population to be sick because of all the steps they take to avoid being ill. For instance, suffers may be unable to leave home if there are any tummy bugs going around and they will avoid family and friends who have an illness. This can present quite a dilemma for mothers who can experience extreme panic if their child is ill and will feel terrified if they are actually sick. Many sufferers will also have a strict diet which is free from anything that might cause a stomach upset and some will avoid medications which list nausea as a side-effect. Many women will also dread the thought of being pregnant because of concerns about coping with ‘morning-sickness’. Emetophobia Book Emetophobia – Symptoms of Emetophobia – Treatment of Emetophobia Share your stories and support others... Emetophobia Tweet Emetophobia is an intense fear of vomiting or vomit and, if left untreated, may eventually drive a person away from certain social situations. According to experts, emetophobia can be triggered by a single traumatic event , such as a long bout of stomach flu, accidentally vomiting in public, or having to witness someone else vomit.

While most people who have emetophobia haven’t actually thrown up in years, the fear of doing so will cause them to develop a specific set of rituals and change their lives so that they can avoid triggering the fear.While quite common around the world, emetophobia can be treated through various methods and should never stop you from enjoying your life the way you would like to. Symptoms of Emetophobia The fear of witnessing someone vomit or vomiting themselves will often make many people dealing with this phobia detour from certain social situations. Here is a list of some situations that an emetophobic person may have trouble with: Extended air or car travel, with a fear of motion sickness. Travelling to an unfamiliar place, usually in fear of different foods or preparation methods. Being around someone who is ill. Being around young children or babies. Crowded places or social scenarios where alcohol or other drugs may be involved. Eating at unfamiliar restaurants, again questioning preparation methods or other sanitary concerns. Treatment of Emetophobia One of the most popular methods used to treat emetophobia is desensitization treatment. This regimen usually involves a patient being exposed to people vomiting through different forms of media.

The goal here is to expose the individual to the act of vomiting on such a frequent basis that the act will eventually lose all of the meaning it has created within the person. This type of treatment has had a very high success rate in treating a fear of vomiting. Self help groups can also be found locally through the Internet, where you are allowed to openly discuss your fears and get tips from others who have overcome the phobia. Since this phobia is entirely mental, therapy methods will often deal with some level of exposure to the problem coupled with discussion about vomit and why it may instill fear within you. Although emetophobia may be very common, it is something that can be treated and managed. Seeking out one of the treatment options above is the best way to start your recovery. Doing Internet research is a good way to find the best methods available to you and will help you explore self-help options before you commit yourself to a professional treatment plan. Overcoming your fear of vomiting will take effort but is entirely possible if you are motivated in finding a way to modify your behavior and conquer your fears. View Resources You, Me & Emetophobia – We're in this together, I promise. Contact What is Emetophobia?

Emetophobia is the irrational and intense fear of throwing up. This is far different than being squeamish, as most emetophobics develop OCD behaviors, and severe anxiety and panic over the thought of throwing up. Who Are We? You, Me & Emetophobia was formed by Chelsie, a girl who has dealt with emetophobia all her life. It wasn't until recently, with the help of family, friends and counseling, that Chelsie gained the courage to share her story with the world. Now, she spends her days writing and sharing her experiences with others who might need a little extra support. Have Questions? If you have a question, want to be a guest blogger, have a general comment or any other concerns, feel free to contact me by visiting our Contact page, or by emailing me at contact@youmeandemetophobia.com. I try to return all emails in 24-48 hours. Common Themes

Question: Of what is emetophobia a fear?
Answer: VOMITING